Not a single note out of place

Connecting easily

The group played some of its original compositions, in addition to popular jazz pieces. Organised by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Jazz at Lincoln Center under the banner of ‘The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad’, the group performed in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh before arriving on their India tour.

Paul Beaudry and ‘Pathways’ are deeply rooted in the jazz and blues traditions. The group balances original compositions and arrangements with selected standards from jazz’s broad stylistic range. The group’s music is captivating and engaging, featuring exciting rhythms, swinging and soul-stirring melodies.

The group had carefully hand-picked a few songs. Among the pieces that the members performed were ‘Trans and Dance’ which combines as ‘Transdance’. “It’s a mix of trans and dance,” explained Paul, a composer, producer, vocalist and educator from San Francisco. The other members were: Tim Armacost (tenor saxophone and alto flute), Tony Jefferson (drums and vocals) and Bennett Paster (piano and keyboards). They also performed Ye Dosti... from Sholay.

“We thought that we must play something Indian. I heard a couple of songs and this song struck me the most. We started off in the original Hindi tune and soon took off to jazz rhythm. Our concern is not just conforming to jazz style –  the jazz philosophy is just as important for us,” explained Paul.

He informed that the audience was an important part of every concert. “I can almost instantly judge the mood of the audience. I play more intimate pieces for a small audience and the more power-packed songs for the larger audience,” he observed.

They played another song titled ‘Billies bounce’, which was a happy piece. Talking about the next piece, ‘84-14’  Paul said, “Here ‘84-14’ was my address in New York, where the streets bustled with an energy of a different kind. I can feel a similar energy here in India.”

Another piece, ‘Harmonia Mundy’ talked about world peace and was dedicated to the late journalist Daniel Pearl.     

Talking about collaborations, Paul said that he would definitely like to collaborate with classical musician L Subramaniam.

“I have heard a couple of his pieces and I must say he’s extremely impressive. Indian classical music has always fascinated me and I would love to work on it someday,” he explained. It was evident that the audience thoroughly enjoyed the concert from the loud cheers that the performers received.

There were hardcore jazz lovers who followed every note carefully. Ranjit Paul, a musician said, “The performers were in sync with each other and there’s not a note that’s out of place. I especially liked the Hindi songs they played.”